Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Sour
Seltzers
Alcohol brands are releasing seltzer beverages in sour flavors.
3.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Sour Seltzers trend?
Sour Seltzers: Brands in the alcohol space are launching new sour seltzer beverages to appeal to consumers looking for novel flavors. These ready-made cocktails are convenient for at-home and on-the-go consumption.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Sour Seltzers trend
The popularity of spiked sparkling water continues to grow as consumers seek low-carb, low-sugar, and low-calorie beverages. Knowing that the hard seltzer market is a competitive one, brands are trying to set themselves apart in an increasingly crowded market with novel offerings that focus on flavor. As a result, many consumers are eager to experiment with these unconventional products that still meet their lifestyle needs.
Trend themes
Themes within the Sour Seltzers trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Sour Seltzers
Brands are introducing novel sour flavors to appeal to consumers seeking low-carb, low-sugar, and low-calorie beverages.
02
Limited-Edition Offerings
Brands are capitalizing on the popularity of the hard seltzer market by introducing limited-edition flavors and high-ABV options.
03
Natural and Artisanal Flavors
Brands are differentiating themselves from competitors by using high-quality ingredients and offering intriguing flavors like tropical mango guava and sour candy-inspired seltzers.
Industry implications
What the Sour Seltzers trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Alcohol
Alcohol brands are competing in a crowded market by introducing novel and intriguing seltzer offerings.
For
Beverage
Brands are offering low-carb, low-sugar and low-calorie options to meet consumer needs and capitalize on the success of the hard seltzer market.
For
Packaging
Brands are using sustainable and innovative packaging materials to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers in the hard seltzer market.
Workshop question
What novelty flavor or ingredient can your brand use for its next offering?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Sour Seltzers
Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 48%, freshness 10%.
Popularity55%
Activity48%
Freshness10%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Sour Seltzers trend
5 featured examples from Aug 15, 2019 to Jul 29, 2021CategoryLifestyle
Limted-Edition Sour Seltzers
Natural Light Launched a Sour Seltzer Just in Time for Summer
The release of Natural Light's sour seltzers represents an innovation opportunity in the alcoholic beverage industry, particularly for fruit-flavored and limited-edition products.
CategoryLifestyle
Ready-to-Drink Summer Seltzers
These New Summer Seltzer Flavors are Refreshing and Delicious
Opportunity for alcoholic beverage companies to expand their product line with low-calorie seltzers and sustainably packaged beverages.
CategoryLifestyle
Light Zero-Sugar Hard Seltzers
Funky Buddha Premium Hard Seltzer is Brewed from Cane Sugar & Agave
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative alcoholic beverage options that cater to changing consumer preferences.
CategoryLifestyle
High-ABV Seltzers
The "Hardest Seltzer in the Universe" by Four Loko Boasts 14% ABV
The beverage industry can leverage high-ABV seltzers as a disruption in the market and provide consumers with a refreshing and potent drinking experience.
CategoryLifestyle
Sour Candy Seltzers
Artisanal Brew Works Created Hard Seltzers Inspired by Warheads
The trend of unique and novel flavors in alcoholic beverages presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands in the industry.
